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Avian flu has become the most threatening influenza virus in the world, and any large-scale outbreak would lead to a devastating outcome. Flu experts have warned that the re-assortment of different H5N1 viruses over the past seven years greatly increases the potential that the viruses could now be transmitted more easily from one person to another. Medical practitioners have discovered several new avian viruses that can be transmitted among human beings. It is estimated that once a pandemic occurs, millions of people could die from this disease. However, medical and health officials around the world have yet to find effective means of dealing with this threat.
The donation will support the collaborative program between Institut Pasteur of Shanghai and the Joint Influenza Research Center on health programs combating avian influenza and other respiratory diseases. Priority of the collaboration will be given to rapid and specific detection of known or novel agents and to the understanding of the interaction of viruses with the innate immunity of the host.
To oversee progress of the collaboration program, a management committee will be formed, with members comprising representatives from Institut Pasteur, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, the Joint Influenza Research Center, and the Li Ka Shing Foundation.
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